Conference climatic Justice Peru 2024/Headquarters
Conference on Climate Justice, Indigenous Voices, and Wikimedia Platforms
Huaraz, Peru
November 8-10, 2024
Huaraz
Huaraz (from the Ancash Quechua "waras" meaning "dawn") is a small Peruvian city located in the Central Andes, approximately 3,100 meters above sea level. The population speaks Spanish and Ancash Quechua. It is located in the southern part of the Callejón de Huaylas, an alluvial valley formed by the Santa River, 408 km northeast of Lima.
Huaraz is located at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca, the largest tropical ice-covered mountain range in the world, where the Hualcán Glacier covers an impressive area of 83.37 km2. It has 17 mountains above 6,000 m a.s.l. in the Cordillera Blanca and more than 60 above 5,500 m. The city serves as a focal point for researchers studying the effects of climate change. The Cordillera Blanca is located within the Huascarán National Park: a protected natural area since 1975, a biosphere reserve since 1977, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
This area of the Andes is one of the oldest in terms of human habitation, given its warm climate, abundant water, and fertile valleys. Important native cultures such as Chavín de Huántar, Recuay, Wari, and Inca passed through and lived in both the Callejón de Huaylas and the Conchucos valleys. An hour and a half from Huaraz is the Guitarrero Cave, which contains the remains of one of the oldest human settlements in Peru, dating back to the 12th millennium BC (around 11,000 BC, Lithic Period).
On the altitude
Huaraz is located at 3,100 meters above sea level. To acclimatize to the altitude, you need to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid heavy meals. You can take altitude sickness pills; they are sold at local pharmacies without a prescription. If you want to go for a walk on your first day, you can visit nearby sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the central market, or the cafes in Ginebra Park and Periodista Park.
About the weather and what to wear
November is a rainy month. Although the weather can vary, it's important to be prepared for changing conditions on a single day, from cool, sunny mornings to rain and thunderstorms in the afternoons. During the day, it's hot in the sun, 22°C, and in the shade, it can feel chilly. At night, temperatures drop to about 5-10°C. Here are some helpful tips to enjoy your stay:
- Appropriate Clothing: Pack warm clothing, as mornings and evenings tend to be chilly. Bring layers, including a sweater, a fleece jacket, or a waterproof jacket (or a rain poncho). Also, wear good socks and comfortable shoes. During the day, you may need a light layer, as temperatures tend to rise slightly in the sun. You can purchase handmade wool gaiters if you don't have any.
- Sun and Altitude Protection: Solar radiation in Huaraz can be very intense, even on cloudy days, due to the altitude. Wear high-protection sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap. Additionally, to avoid altitude sickness, it is recommended to acclimatize, move slowly, and stay hydrated. Coca tea or coca candies are traditional remedies that help combat altitude sickness symptoms.
Currency Exchange
The currency in Peru is the sol. You can exchange money at the exchange offices at the Lima airport. However, it is not recommended to do so there, as the exchange rate may not be favorable. It is preferable to wait until you arrive in Huaraz and exchange at the exchange offices in the city center. If you wish to exchange something at the airport for any reason, we recommend only exchanging the equivalent of 10 or 20 US dollars.
Electrical outlets
In Peru, the most common plugs are Type A (two parallel rectangular slits); Type B (two parallel slits plus a third circular prong); and Type C (two circular prongs). [See https://www.peruhop.com/es/voltaje-en-peru/#:~:text=En%20Per%C3%BA%2C%20los%20enchufes%20m%C3%A1s,C%20(dos%20clavijas%20circulares). here]. The voltage is 220 V. You can bring adapters or buy them in Huaraz.
The Cultural Centre of Huaraz
The Municipal Cultural Centre "Lombardo Mautino Angeles" is the headquarters of the conference. It situates to less than half stable of the Square of Arms, in the corner of the Av. Luzuriaga (The main of the city) with the jirón 28 July. It is a space devoted to the promotion and preservation of the culture and the art in the region of Áncash, Peru. Situated in the city of Huaraz, this centre offers a variety of cultural activities, like exposures of art, presentations of dance and music, workshops, and educational events that highlight the rich history and cultural diversity of the region. The edifice combines modern architectural elements with traditional details, creating a cosy environment for the learning and the interaction. Besides, the centre boosts the cultural dialogue and is a meeting point for local artists, visitors, and the community in general, contributing to the cultural and social development of Huaraz.
It features a theater auditorium with a capacity for 1,000 people, a SUM (Multipurpose Room) with a capacity for 120 people, an exhibition hall, a conference room, galleries, a café, workshops, and offices. The Huaraz Municipal Public Library is also located within the cultural center.
Accommodation and diet
If you're arriving a few days early or staying a few days later to explore the city and its surroundings, here are some options:
Where to stay
- Benkawasi. Address: Parque Santa Rosa No. 928, Huaraz (about six blocks from the Huaraz Cultural Center). Whatsapp: +51 941 743 941. Description: This is a simple, affordable hostel. You can prepare your own meals in the shared kitchen.
- Monkeywasi. Address: Jr. Agustin Mejia No. 797, Soledad - Huaraz (located in the traditional neighborhood of La Soledad, about eleven blocks from the Cultural Center). WhatsApp: +51 965 001 205. Description: Simple and affordable, you can prepare your own meals in the shared kitchen. It is a hostel for backpackers who like hiking and climbing in the Cordillera Blanca. It has a climbing wall in the courtyard.
- Hotel El Tumi. Address: Jr. San Martín 1121. This is the hotel where scholarship recipients and guests will be staying.
Where to Eat
- Encuentro de los Andes. Address: Av. Luzuriaga No. 702 - In front of the Plaza de Armas Hz (Panoramic view). Description: They have a lunchtime menu with Peruvian Creole dishes (around 15 to 20 soles). They specialize in meats and grills. They serve chicken broth and papakashki (potato soup).
- Inka Frut. Address: Parque Ginebra (half a block north of the Plaza de Armas). Description: Lunch menu, fusion and gourmet cuisine (ranging from 15 to 25 soles). National and international cuisine.
- Trivio Resto Bar Sierra Andina. Address: Parque del Periodista (half a block north of the Plaza de Armas). Description: Lunch menu, fusion and gourmet cuisine (ranging from 15 to 25 soles). Open from 8:00 a.m., so breakfast is also available. National and international cuisine, coffee and desserts, outdoor seating, craft beer.
- Tamya. Address: Jr Amadeo Figueroa No. 1274, La Soledad neighborhood. Description: Offers a lunch menu. Specializes in pasta, pizza, and grilled meats.
Coffees and desserts
- California Coffee. Direction: Jr. 28 of Julio n.° 562 (at the head of the Cultural Centre). Description: Several types of breakfast, open from the 8:00 to. m. It has sofas, library and falafels.
- Canttú Coffee. Direction: Corner of Jr. Jóse Of Cucre n.° 800 and Jr. Simón Bolívar. Description: Breakfasts, coffees, juices, sandwiches, salads, wraps, waffles, desserts and much more. Healthy options, vegetarian and vegan.
Appeals in Huaraz
In Huaraz and his surroundings exist several places of interest, some of them are:
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- Archaeologic Museum of Áncash Augusto Soriano Infante. Direction: Av. Luzuriaga n.° 762 (in front of the Square of Arms). It presents three levels of construction, and to the interior of her finds divided in 4 rooms of exhibition, in which they can appreciate different types of cultural materials: ceramics, textile, metals, material lítico, osseous animal and human (mummies) etc.; exemplifying the cultural development and technological die in the region Áncash during the period prehispánica (10,500 to. C – 1532 d. C) like this stands out the sample of the Cave of Guitarrero, of the cultures Chavín, Moche, Recuay, Wari, Chimú and Inka. Also it is part of the museum the Park Lítico.
- archaeologic Place of Waullac. It finds situated in the caserío of Antaoko, to river banks Paria, to 2 km, to the east of the city of Huaraz to 3100 m s.n.m, and has an extension of a square kilometre. They exist archaeologic evidences so much of the culture Recuay as of the culture Wari.
- Lagoon Willcacocha. It is a lagoon of the Black Mountain range located in the district and province of Huaraz in the region Áncash, Peru. The oriel in Willcacocha is considered like one of the best natural oriels in the Alley of Huaylas to observe the White Mountain range.